Viper gecko (Teratolepis fasciata)

Short answers

Viper gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 30×30×30 cm for 1–2 animals (ground-dwelling); larger for a group (e.g. 45×45×45 cm).

Viper gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C (gradient), basking spot 32–35 °C (local hot spot), at night ~20 °C.

Viper gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal); low UVB (Ferguson zone 1) is optional and beneficial.

Viper gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Viper gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C (gradient)

Night temperature

~20 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C (local hot spot)

Humidity

40–50 % (arid); a humid hide cave for shedding; mist lightly at night two or three times a week

UVB

UVB not essential (nocturnal); low UVB (Ferguson zone 1) is optional and beneficial

Enclosure

Minimum size

approx. 30×30×30 cm for 1–2 animals (ground-dwelling); larger for a group (e.g. 45×45×45 cm)

Substrate

A sand-loam mix or dry desert substrate with stones, cork tubes and hides

Feeding

Food

Small insects (small crickets, dubia, black soldier fly larvae) – no wider than the space between the eyes; calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

~8–10 cm total length (a small dwarf gecko)

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Pakistan (arid, rocky regions); taxonomically now usually Hemidactylus imbricatus

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special protected status (no proof of origin or registration required)

Brumation

A slight winter cooling period (~3–4 weeks at a lowered temperature) encourages breeding; not essential

Cohabitation

A group is possible and, for this species, even recommended: viper geckos are considered highly tolerant, and even several males usually get along without territorial fights according to several independent keeper sources – unusual for geckos. Keeping one alone works just as well. In very cramped conditions or with clear dominance fights, separate individual animals as a precaution.

Notes

A robust, easy-care dwarf gecko for arid conditions. Very small feeder animals are essential (larger prey can injure it). Provide a damp wet box for shedding and egg-laying. Synonym / current taxonomy: Hemidactylus imbricatus.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Sphaerodactylus argus) – Intermediate
• Ocellated gecko (Gonatodes ocellatus) – Intermediate
• Bridled forest gecko (Gonatodes humeralis) – Beginner
• Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) – Intermediate
• Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) – Intermediate
• Reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) – Intermediate
• Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Viper gecko (Teratolepis fasciata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 30×30×30 cm for 1–2 animals (ground-dwelling); larger for a group (e.g. 45×45×45 cm)), substrate (A sand-loam mix or dry desert substrate with stones, cork tubes and hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.